Definition
An offensive operation launched specifically to disrupt enemy preparations for their own attack, essentially hitting them first because defense is boring. It's the military doctrine of 'the best defense is hitting them before they hit you.'
Example Usage
Intelligence indicated an enemy offensive at dawn, so division launched a spoiling attack at midnight to disrupt their assembly areas.
Origin
Classical military strategy formalized in modern doctrine, with notable use in both World Wars
Fun Fact
Israel's 1967 Six-Day War began with a massive spoiling attack on Egyptian airfields, destroying most of Egypt's air force before it could take off.
Source: Military strategy and operational doctrine
Related Terms
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See “spoiling attack” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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